Southlake Carroll beats Arlington Martin to remain undefeated in playoff rematch
Arlington Martin was seeking redemption.
Its season was cut short last season during the Class 6A Division 1 regional semifinals against Southlake Carroll, 30-26.
But behind big nights from running back Owen Allen and tight end RJ Maryland, Carroll, No. 3 in the Class 6A state rankings, beat No. 11 Martin in its home opener, 31-7 on Friday night at Dragon Stadium.
The win pushed Carroll’s record to 4-0 while Martin dropped to 2-2.
“When the defense is firing on all cylinders and playing lights out all game long, it gives the offense an opportunity to slow down and get in our groove, and perform like we did,” Allen said.
Martin led once, at 7-3, when 5-star cornerback Javien Toviano rushed in a 4-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. It capped an 8-play and 72-yard drive.
The Warriors got 22 yards on back-to-back plays during the drive, a Cydd Ford pass to Trey Cochran which was followed by a big run from Toviano.
But Carroll would score 28 unanswered points.
“Martin is an amazing team and proud program. They have some hard hitters, but when you come to our house, talking the way they were talking, you’re going to get a beating on you,” Allen said.
Preseason All-American kicker Tyler White booted a 42-yard field goal to give Carroll a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. After falling behind 7-3, the Dragons got a pair of touchdown runs from junior Owen Allen.
Allen scored on runs from 27 and 17 yards, the latter coming in the fourth quarter that gave the Dragons a 24-7 lead. The run also pushed Allen over the 4,000 career rushing mark.
He needed 156 yards and got 163.
Allen does it in less than three seasons and 29 career games. He also has hit 100 yards rushing in all four games this season. He’s averaging 170 yards on the ground this season and nearly 140 yards in his career.
“I’ve played with a whole bunch of coaches and whole bunch of linemen, and different quarterbacks...I just trust my line and when you do those things, 4,000 yards comes easy,” said Allen, who scored his 58th and 59th career rushing touchdowns.”
Carroll’s other two TDs came from Maryland, a 3-star Boston College commit.
Martin’s defensive scheme seemed to work, a little, as the Warriors held Carroll leading receiver Landon Samson (South Carolina commit) to just one catch for 14 yards.
However, that opened up the passing game for Maryland.
Maryland, the son of former Dallas Cowboy Russell Maryland, hooked up with junior QB Kaden Anderson on touchdowns from 9 and 63 yards, the latter coming as the final score for the Dragons.
“You can’t guard all of us,” Maryland said. “They tried to lock down Landon, but then that leaves me open and vice versa. Kaden is great. He steps up a lot and makes big plays.”
Maryland finished with six catches for 153 yards. Anderson threw for 199 yards and two TDs.
The Dragons’ defense forced three Martin turnovers, fumble recoveries by Allan Kleiman and Dustin Mark, and an interception from Nathan Gall.
Martin’s defense did keep its offense in the game, holding Carroll below its season average in scoring and managed to pick off two passes, both from cornerback Josiah Charles.
Carroll will open District 4-6A play next Friday Sept. 24 at home against Byron Nelson.
The Dragons close non-district with wins over Highland Park, Rockwall-Heath, Prosper and Martin, with three of those schools state ranked at one point this season.
Said Maryland, “Gives us a lot of confidence going into the next half of the season.”
This story was originally published September 17, 2021 at 9:26 PM.
